Pressure activated recharging cooling platform

ABSTRACT

A pressure activated recharging cooling platform for cooling an object is provided. The cooling platform comprises a temperature regulation layer, a support layer, and a channeled covering layer. The temperature regulation layer is adapted to hold a composition. The temperature regulation layer has a plurality of angled segments, wherein angled segments within a sealed perimeter of the temperature regulation layer are formed by a top side and a bottom side at a predefined distance, and channels, wherein the channels substantially form sides by contacting the top side with the bottom side at a distance lesser than the predefined distance. The support layer is substantially bonded to the bottom side of the temperature regulation layer and is comprised of material sufficiently pliable to deform and sufficiently rigid to withstand collapse in response to the weight of the object. The channeled covering layer encompasses the support and temperature regulation layers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application is a continuationof U.S. application Ser. No. 12/760,045 entitled “Pressure ActivatedRecharging Cooling Platform,” filed on Apr. 14, 2010, claiming priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety as if fully set forth within.

BACKGROUND

1) Field of the Invention

The invention relates to temperature controlled platforms, particularly,cooling platforms for animals.

2) Discussion of the Related Art

Pet beds serve as a place to rest or sleep, for pets such as cats anddogs. Many times, depending on the application, these pet beds aredirected towards cooling or heating pets. These beds can be used duringpost-surgery recovery, dysplasia, or post-chemotherapy. Generally, thesepet beds aid in the comfort and safety of the pet.

Many pet beds are known to have cooling mechanisms. Some pet bedsprovide a centralized cooling plate with no mechanism to circulate.These pet beds are electrically connected to a power source. Powersources often times fail, negating the “portable” aspect of a product.Further, such systems require heavy and complex equipment, and are nottypically portable or user friendly.

There are other pet beds available which use alternative or“non-electric” means to cool a pet. These pet beds generally use icepacks. However, these ice packs eventually melt and need to be replaced.Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved cooling bed forpets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described by way of example with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top angled perspective of a cooling platform.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a temperature regulation layer of thecooling platform.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cooling platform.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the coolingplatform.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a channeled covering layerof the cooling platform.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an alternativeembodiment of the cooling platform.

FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the alternativeembodiment of the cooling platform.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top angled perspective of an alternative embodimentof the cooling platform.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective of the alternativeembodiment of the cooling platform.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective of an alternativeembodiment of the cooling platform.

FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the alternativeembodiment of the cooling platform.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective of an alternativeembodiment of the cooling platform.

FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the alternativeembodiment of the cooling platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is now described with reference to figures wherelike reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similarelements. While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed,it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposesonly. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that otherconfigurations and arrangements can be used without departing form thespirit and scope of the invention.

The invention described herein is multilayered. Each layer, in anembodiment, is bonded to the next layer in some fashion, in that, eachlayer is comprised of a first and a second side and is bonded to therespective side accordingly. As such, the term “bonded” refers to thejoining, adhering, affixing, connecting, attaching, threading or thelike, through chemical, mechanical or electrical avenues, of at leasttwo elements of a cooling platform, such that the elements tend to beand remain bonded during normal use conditions of the cooling platform.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cooling platform 100. The cooling platform 100 iscomprised of a temperature regulation layer 110 (illustrated in FIG. 2),a f 140 (illustrated in FIG. 3), and a channeled covering layer 150.

FIG. 2 illustrates the temperature regulation layer 110 in more detail.The temperature regulation layer 110 is adapted to hold a composition110A (illustrated in FIG. 3) and provides temperature regulation to thecooling platform 100. The temperature regulation layer 110 has an angledsegment 120, which includes a top side and a bottom side (illustratedFIG. 8 and FIG. 9). The angled segment 120 is formed by channels 130 andincludes a sealed perimeter.

In an embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the temperatureregulation layer 110 includes a plurality of angled segments 120 formedby a plurality of channels 130. The channels 130 effectively space thetop and bottom sides of each angled segment 120 at a predefineddistance. In an embodiment, the predefined distance can equal zero, thuscompletely forming each angled segment 120 and cutting off anyinterconnection or communication therein.

In another embodiment, that predefined distance can be measureddepending on the object using the cooling platform 100. In thisembodiment, the predefined distance allows for interconnection betweenthe angled segments 120 of the composition 110A (including pressureportions 110B as seen in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). In this embodiment, theinterconnection would apply to those angled segments 120 within theperimeter of the temperature regulation layer 110, as the perimeter issealed.

The cooling platform 100 is adapted to provide cooling to a wide varietyof objects. As used herein, the term “object” can mean a variety ofthings including but not limited to domestic animals, such as cats anddogs. The use of the cooling platform 100 can extend to human use invehicles or similar circumstances calling for such regulation.Generally, the cooling platform 100 can be used for anything that needsor requires either heat, cool or temperature regulation.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate a cross-section of the cooling platform100, which includes the support layer 140. The support layer 140 issubstantially bonded to the bottom side of the temperature regulationlayer 110. The support layer 140 comprised of material sufficientlypliable to deform and sufficiently rigid to withstand collapse inresponse to the weight of the object.

In an embodiment, the support layer 140 can be made from polyurethanefoam, elastomer foam, memory foam, or other suitable material. Inanother embodiment, the support layer 140 is made of an orthopedic foam,of a consistency designed to protect joints and provide appropriatesupport to the skeletal system.

In an embodiment, the support layer 140 can include soft, pliable, andremovable stuffing material to provide cushioning, allowing a user toestablish the firmness or softness desired. Such material can includesynthetic pillow stuffing such as polyester filling, or can includefeathers such as goose or duck down. As a further embodiment, thesupport layer 140 can include a combination of dense foam and softerpillow stuffing. It is contemplated that different types of cushioningcan be utilized for different types, sizes, and weight of objects.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 further illustrate the composition 110A within thetemperature regulation layer 110. The composition 110A serves to controlthe temperature of the cooling platform 100. The cooling platform 100can handle a range of different temperatures depending on the object inuse. This can mean that the composition 110A can encompass a variety ofcooling and heating compounds.

In an embodiment, the composition 110A can be activated by a widevariety of means, e.g. the addition of water. In this embodiment, thecomposition 110A can include ammonium nitrate and distilled water.

In another embodiment, the composition 110A can be activated bypressure, wherein the pressure of a object sitting on the coolingplatform 100 activates the composition 110A, triggering an endothermicprocess and subsequent cooling. Upon the release of that pressure, thecomposition 110A undergoes a subsequent recharge, essentially thereverse of the initial reaction. The above is consistent with LeChatelier's principle, in that, the reaction reverses upon theapplication or absence of pressure. In this embodiment, the composition110A is comprised of: thirty percent carboxmethyl cellulose; twentypercent water; thirty-five percent polyacrylamide; and at least fifteenpercent alginic acid. The aforementioned composition 110A also providesa cooling effect for an increased duration over other knowncompositions.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of the channeled covering layer 150.The channeled covering layer 150 can encompass both the support 140 andtemperature regulation layers 110. The channeled covering layer 150 cancomprise a piece of fabric or netting, which can include, but is notlimited to, plastic, nylon or cloth netting, or a micro-fiber materialwith a waterproof layer.

The fabric or netting can allow circulated air to penetrate and escapeto the surface, effectuating the cooling process. The fabric or nettingcan be air tight or resistant to air penetration, to provide indirectcooling. In another embodiment, the channeled covering layer 150 can bemade of a firm material, such as plastic, which retains its shape whensat upon by an object. Additionally, the channeled covering layer 150can include padding to provide a comfortable seating surface.

In an embodiment, the channeled covering layer 150 can be easily removedvia a bottom and/or zipper or any other similar means attached thereto.The channeled covering layer 150 can be made of material such that itcan be easily replaced with a different top portion made of anothermaterial (and/or having different thickness) as desired. Further, in anembodiment, the channeled covering layer 150 can contain antibacterial,stain resistant, chew resistant, and/or anti flea materials.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, the temperature regulation layer 110 includes apressure portion 110B. The pressure portion 110B allows for the abilityto increase or decrease the firmness of the temperature regulation layer110 and thus the cooling platform 100 by the addition of gases such asoxygen. This feature can be predetermined or varied as set forth below.

In an embodiment, the pressure portion 110B can include a means forinflating or deflating 115 the pressure portion 110B and the temperatureregulation layer 110. The means for inflating and deflating 115 caninclude a variety of structures designed for air intake and out take.Often, the structures involved in such means include a protruding valvestem and a cap. The valve stem can be connected or coupled with athreaded portion for attachment to a mechanical or electrical pump, orcan be comprised of a plastic valve allowing for human pressureinflation.

In an embodiment, the means for inflating or deflating can interconnectthe pressure portions 110B held within the plurality of angled segments120. In another embodiment, each pressure portion 110B can be providedfor individually within each angled segment 120 at either a fixedpressure or established using the above mentioned interconnected means.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, the temperature regulation layer 110 is adapted tohold a composition 110A in a single angled segment 120. Therefore, thetemperature regulation layer 110 becomes the single angled segment 120.The perimeter of the angled segment 120, which includes a top side and abottom side, is sealed preventing the composition 110A from leaking.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another alternative embodiment of theinvention. In this particular embodiment, the temperature regulationlayer 110/120 is adapted to hold the composition 110A. In thisembodiment, the temperature regulation layer 110/120 has an angledsegment 120 formed as described herein. However, this embodiment doesnot include the channeled covering layer 150 as well as support layer140.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the temperature regulation layer 110 adapted to hold thecomposition 110A, has a plurality of angled segments 120. And as alreadydescribed herein, the angled segments 120 are formed by a top side and abottom side at a predefined distance, and by channels 130. In anembodiment, the channels 130 may completely segment the plurality ofangled segments 120.

As mentioned in conjunction with the channeled covering layer 150, thetemperature regulation layer 110 may be comprised of similar materialsmaking up the channeled covering layer 150. The temperature regulationlayer 110, in an embodiment, may also be plastic or of similar material,and in another embodiment be such that the composition 110A is viewablethrough clear material.

In use, the cooling platform 100 is able to regulate the temperate of anobject. The object contacts the channeled covering layer 150 exertingpressure over the cooling platform 100. The support layer 140 isdesigned to be sufficiently pliable to deform and sufficiently rigid towithstand collapse in response to the weight of the object. As statedherein, the support layer 140 can be comprised of a wide variety ofcomponents.

Depending on the composition 110A used, the temperature regulation layer110 transfers heat from the object. In further effectuating heattransfer, the channels 130 have at least two advantages. First, thechannels 130 are designed to mix air with the cooling process betweenthe object and the channeled covering layer 150. Second, the channels130 substantially prevent or minimize the composition 110A from beingpushed out of the angled segment 120. Obviously, in other embodimentspresented herein, the angled segments 120 can be completely segmented,fully preventing such an issue. The channeled covering layer 150 alsoaids in effectuating heat transfer from the object by its composition ofchannels. Of course, the degree of such aid depends in large part on thetype of material used with the cooling platform 100.

In adjusting to accommodate the object, the pressure portions 110B areused. As stated above, the pressure portions 110B can be individual andpredetermined or variable and interconnected. Thus, the interconnectedpressure portions 110B can be varied through the means for inflating anddeflating 115. Also, as stated herein, the channeled covering layer 150can provide a degree of comfort and firmness depending on the materialused, lending to the overall versatility of the cooling platform 100.

The invention contains a large amount of advantages. An advantage of theinvention is the composition 110A. The composition 110A is able to bere-used without the need for electricity, refrigeration, additionaltreatments, or extraneous equipment. The advantage stems from thecomponents within the composition 110A, which effectively keep atemperature of 3-4 degrees Fahrenheit lower than body temperature. Thisparticular composition 110A is able to recharge after the alleviation ofpressure (after the object moves). This particular advantage furtherallows for low-cost and eco-friendly solutions to temperature regulatingand aids in the “mobility” aspect of the invention by not requiringinput from other sources and by virtue of being a non-toxic substance.

Another advantage of the invention is the unique design. The designenhances and optimizes the cooling performance. The channels 130 allowfor a mixture of air flow between the object and the cooling platform100, effectively cooling the object at a quicker rate. Furthermore, thepresence of the predefined distance from the top and bottom of theangled segment 120, essentially prevents the dispersion of thecomposition 110A from the pressure the object exerts on the coolingplatform 100. The overall effect increases the rate of cooling on thetargeted object.

Another advantage of the invention is the interconnected pressureportions 110B. The pressure portions 110B provide the ability toincrease or decrease the overall pressure of the cooling platform 100.This feature is particularly advantageous given the large variation inobject weight.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative and not restrictive of the current invention, andthat this invention is not restricted to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described since modification can occur to thoseordinarily skilled in the art.

What is claimed:
 1. A pressure activated recharging cooling platform forcooling an object, the platform comprising: a temperature regulationlayer, the temperature regulation layer having a plurality of angledsegments, wherein angled segments within a sealed perimeter of thetemperature regulation layer are formed by a top side and a bottom sideat a predefined distance, and channels, wherein the channelssubstantially form sides by contacting the top side with the bottom sideat a distance lesser than the predefined distance; a pressure activatedrecharging cooling composition within the temperature regulation layer,the pressure activated recharging cooling composition endothermicallyactivated and deactivated upon the application and release of pressure,respectively; and a support layer within the temperature regulationlayer, the support layer comprised of an elastic material capable ofdeforming and withstanding wherein the pressure activating coolingcomposition is absorbed within the support layer.
 2. The pressureactivated recharging cooling platform of claim 1 wherein the pressureactivated recharging cooling composition is comprised of: thirty percentcarboxmethyl cellulose; twenty percent water; thirty-five percentpolyacrylamide; and fifteen percent alginic acid.
 3. The pressureactivated recharging cooling platform of claim 1 wherein the supportlayer is comprised of memory foam.
 4. The pressure activated rechargingcooling platform of claim 1 wherein the angled segments within thesealed perimeter are sealed.
 5. The pressure activated rechargingcooling platform of claim 1 wherein the pressure activated rechargingcooling composition is comprised of at least one of carboxmethylcellulose; water; polyacrylamide; and alginic acid.
 6. The pressureactivated recharging cooling platform of claim 1 wherein the pressureactivated recharging cooling composition is comprised of ammoniumnitrate and water.
 7. The pressure activated recharging cooling platformof claim 1 wherein the pressure activated recharging cooling compositionis comprised of water and at least one of carboxmethyl cellulose;polyacrylamide; and alginic acid.
 8. The pressure activated rechargingcooling platform of claim 1 wherein the pressure activated rechargingcooling composition is comprised of water and polyacrylamide.
 9. Thepressure activated recharging cooling platform of claim 1 wherein thepressure activated recharging cooling composition is comprised of waterand sodium polyacrylate.
 10. The pressure activated recharging coolingplatform of claim 1 wherein the pressure activated recharging coolingcomposition is comprised of water and sodium polyacrylic acid.
 11. Apressure activated recharging cooling platform for cooling an object,the platform comprising: a temperature regulation layer, the temperatureregulation layer having an angled segment formed by a top side and abottom side at a predefined distance, and channels, wherein the channelsform sides by contacting the top side with the bottom side; a pressureactivated recharging cooling composition within the temperatureregulation layer, the pressure activated recharging cooling compositionendothermically activated and deactivated upon the application andrelease of pressure, respectively; and a support layer within thetemperature regulation layer, the support layer comprised of an elasticmaterial capable of deforming and withstanding wherein the pressureactivating cooling composition is absorbed within the support layer. 12.The pressure activated recharging cooling platform of claim 11 whereinthe pressure activated recharging cooling composition is comprised of:thirty percent carboxmethyl cellulose; twenty percent water; thirty-fivepercent polyacrylamide; and fifteen percent alginic acid.
 13. Thepressure activated recharging cooling platform of claim 11 wherein thesupport layer is comprised of memory foam.
 14. The pressure activatedrecharging cooling platform of claim 11 wherein the pressure activatedrecharging cooling composition is comprised of at least one ofcarboxmethyl cellulose; water; polyacrylamide; and alginic acid.
 15. Thepressure activated recharging cooling platform of claim 11 wherein thepressure activated recharging cooling composition is comprised ofammonium nitrate and water.
 16. A pressure activated recharging coolingplatform for cooling an object, the platform comprising: a temperatureregulation layer, the temperature regulation layer having a plurality ofangled segments, wherein angled segments within a sealed perimeter ofthe temperature regulation layer are formed by a top side and a bottomside at a predefined distance, and channels, wherein the channelssubstantially form sides by contacting the top side with the bottom sideat a distance lesser than the predefined distance; and a support layerwithin the temperature regulation layer, the support layer comprised ofan elastic material capable of deforming and withstanding wherein thesupport layer is capable of absorbing a pressure activated rechargingcooling composition within the temperature regulation layer, thepressure activated recharging cooling composition endothermicallyactivated and deactivated upon the application and release of pressure,respectively.
 17. A pressure activated recharging cooling platform forcooling an object, the platform comprising: a temperature regulationlayer, the temperature regulation layer having an angled segment formedby a top side and a bottom side at a predefined distance, and channels,wherein the channels form sides by contacting the top side with thebottom side; and a support layer within the temperature regulationlayer, the support layer comprised of an elastic material capable ofdeforming and withstanding wherein the support layer is capable ofabsorbing a pressure activated recharging cooling composition within thetemperature regulation layer, the pressure activated recharging coolingcomposition endothermically activated and deactivated upon theapplication and release of pressure, respectively.
 18. A pressureactivated recharging cooling platform for cooling an object, theplatform comprising: a channeled covering layer, the channeled coveringlayer having a plurality of angled segments, wherein angled segmentswithin a sealed perimeter of the channeled covering layer are formed bya top side and a bottom side at a predefined distance, and channels,wherein the channels substantially form sides by contacting the top sidewith the bottom side at a distance lesser than the predefined distance;a pressure activated recharging cooling composition within the channeledcovering layer, the pressure activated recharging cooling compositionendothermically activated and deactivated upon the application andrelease of pressure, respectively; and a support layer within thechanneled covering layer, the support layer comprised of an elasticmaterial capable of deforming and withstanding wherein the pressureactivating cooling composition is absorbed within the support layer. 19.A pressure activated recharging cooling platform for cooling an object,the platform comprising: a channeled covering layer, the channeledcovering layer having an angled segment formed by a top side and abottom side at a predefined distance, and channels, wherein the channelsform sides by contacting the top side with the bottom side; a pressureactivated recharging cooling composition within the channeled coveringlayer, the pressure activated recharging cooling compositionendothermically activated and deactivated upon the application andrelease of pressure, respectively; and a support layer within thechanneled covering layer, the support layer comprised of an elasticmaterial capable of deforming and withstanding wherein the pressureactivating cooling composition is absorbed within the support layer. 20.A pressure activated recharging cooling platform for cooling an object,the platform comprising: a channeled covering layer, the channeledcovering layer having a plurality of angled segments, wherein angledsegments within a sealed perimeter of the channeled covering layer areformed by a top side and a bottom side at a predefined distance, andchannels, wherein the channels substantially form sides by contactingthe top side with the bottom side at a distance lesser than thepredefined distance; and a support layer within the channeled coveringlayer, the support layer comprised of an elastic material capable ofdeforming and withstanding wherein the support layer is capable ofabsorbing a pressure activated recharging cooling composition within thechanneled covering layer, the pressure activated recharging coolingcomposition endothermically activated and deactivated upon theapplication and release of pressure, respectively.
 21. A pressureactivated recharging cooling platform for cooling an object, theplatform comprising: a channeled covering layer, the channeled coveringlayer having an angled segment formed by a top side and a bottom side ata predefined distance, and channels, wherein the channels form sides bycontacting the top side with the bottom side; and a support layer withinthe channeled covering layer, the support layer comprised of an elasticmaterial capable of deforming and withstanding wherein the support layeris capable of absorbing a pressure activated recharging coolingcomposition within the channeled covering layer, the pressure activatedrecharging cooling composition endothermically activated and deactivatedupon the application and release of pressure, respectively.